Job Description

Position Details

School of Chemistry

Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK

Full time starting salary is normally in the range £36,636 to £46,049 with potential progression once in post to £48,822

Grade: 7

Full Time, Fixed Term contract up to September 2027

Closing date: 4th August 2026

UK and International travel may be required for this role

Background

The Fielden Research Group is a recently established and rapidly growing research group whose interests lie at the interface of molecular science and nanotechnology. Our research combines synthetic organic chemistry, supramolecular chemistry and polymer chemistry to develop programmable nanoscale materials with precisely controlled structure and function. We are a collaborative and inclusive team, offering researchers the opportunity to work across traditional disciplinary boundaries while developing expertise in cutting-edge areas of chemistry and materials science. The group provides a supportive, inclusive and collaborative research environment in which researchers are encouraged to develop scientific independence while working closely with colleagues and external collaborators.

About the School of Chemistry

The School of Chemistryseeks to attract outstanding, inspirational and talented people, supporting them to succeed and celebrating their success. We value diversity and inclusion and welcome applications from all sections of the community. The School of Chemistry holds an Athena SWAN Bronze Award, in recognition of its work in promoting women’s careers in higher education. The University of Birmingham is a member institution of the Race Equality Charter, a Disability Confident Employer and contributes to the Stonewall Workplace Equality Index. We support flexible working and studying.

Our research is driven by four core themes — Energy, Sustainability, Environment, and Health—complemented by interdisciplinary Interest Groups, serving as catalysts for emerging ideas.
This dynamic structure makes our School an exciting place to work and collaborate.

Major University investment in our subject enabled the 2024 opening of our state-of-the-art Molecular Sciences Building We recently completed the strategic expansion of our academic staff, and we continue to invest in teaching and learning excellence

As part of our collegial community, you will demonstrate academic citizenship by cultivating generous, respectful, and supportive working relationships. You will positively influence how others succeed, reinforcing the collaborative spirit that defines our culture.

We are seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Associate (PDRA) to join the Fielden Research Group, to develop innovative approaches for synthesising mechanically interlocked polymers. The project sits at the interface of supramolecular chemistry, polymer chemistry and organic synthesis, combining molecular design with advanced polymer architectures to create precisely controlled nanoscale materials with applications across soft matter, nanotechnology and materials science.

Main Duties

• Develop research objectives and proposals for own or joint research, in collaboration with the Principal Investigator.
• Contribute to the design and execution of a research programme at the interface of synthetic organic chemistry, supramolecular chemistry and polymer science.
• Prepare, characterise and investigate interlocked nanoscale assemblies formed through polymerisation, using appropriate spectroscopic, microscopic and analytical techniques.
• Analyse and interpret experimental data, developing new intellectual understanding of structure–function relationships in molecular and nanoscale systems.
• Contribute to writing bids for research funding and other competitive grant applications.
• Apply knowledge in a way which develops new intellectual understanding
• Disseminate research findings through high-quality publications, conference presentations, seminars and outreach activities.
• Contribute to the development of new models, techniques and experimental methods within the research programme.
• Collect research data through a variety of methods, including synthetic experimentation, self-assembly studies, and literature-based analysis.
• Supervise and support undergraduate and postgraduate researchers where appropriate.
• Undertake research-related management and administrative activities, including record keeping, reporting, and compliance with safety and governance requirements.
• Contribute to departmental and school research activities, meetings, and research-related administration.
• Contribute, where appropriate, to enterprise, collaborative, or public engagement activities that enhance the impact of the research programme.
• Identify and address problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines, developing practical solutions in collaboration with the research team.
• Promote equality, diversity and inclusion, acting as a role model and fostering an inclusive and collaborative research environment.

Person Specification

• A PhD (or near to completion) in Chemistry or a closely related discipline (or thesis submitted prior to appointment).
• Demonstrable expertise in synthetic organic chemistry, including the design, synthesis and characterisation of complex organic molecules.
• Demonstrable expertise in the preparation and characterisation of nanoscale assemblies formed through covalent or supramolecular polymerisation.
• Demonstrable expertise in the quantitative analysis of chemical systems, including physical organic chemistry approaches such as kinetic modelling and mechanistic investigation.
• A strong academic publication record appropriate to career stage, evidenced by peer-reviewed publications or manuscripts in preparation.
• Ability to design, plan and deliver high-quality research with a high degree of autonomy.
• Ability to prepare grant applications to facilitate research.
• Strong problem-solving skills, scientific creativity and attention to detail.
• Excellent communication skills, including the ability to present research to specialist and non-specialist audiences.
• Ability to work effectively both on their own and as part of a multidisciplinary research team.
• Strong organisational and time-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet project deadlines.

Informal enquiries to Stephen Fielden, email: s.fielden@bham.ac.uk

View our staff values and behaviours here

Use of AI in applications: We want to understand your genuine interest in the role and for the written elements of your application to accurately reflect your own communication style. Applications that rely too heavily on AI tools can appear generic and lack the detail we need to assess your skills and experience. Such applications will unlikely be progressed to interview.

We believe there is no such thing as a 'typical' member of University of Birmingham staff and that diversity in its many forms is a strength that underpins the exchange of ideas, innovation and debate at the heart of University life. We are committed to proactively addressing the barriers experienced by some groups in our community and are proud to hold Athena SWAN, Race Equality Charter and Disability Confident accreditations. We have an Equality Diversity and Inclusion Centre that focuses on continuously improving the University as a fair and inclusive place to work where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. We are also committed to sustainability, which is a key part of our strategy. You can find out more about our work to create a fairer university for everyone on our website